Sen. Carl Perry

Maddy summaryThis bill honors Jonni Arpan of Eagle Butte for her selection as the Associated School Boards of South Dakota 2024 Outstanding School Board Member. It formally recognizes her contributions to the Eagle Butte School District Board of Education through a legislative resolution. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her service and achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Dakota Division of Highway Patrol to conduct mental health assessments for individuals being considered for employment. The provision directly affects job applicants seeking positions within the highway patrol agency by adding a specific screening requirement. The key mechanism involves mandating that these assessments be completed as part of the hiring process to evaluate potential candidates' mental fitness. This change aims to ensure that all employees meet established mental health standards before being hired for law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to formally recognize and express gratitude to Mike Pedersen for his long-term dedication to celebrating Christmas through music. The measure would likely involve a legislative resolution or proclamation acknowledging his contributions rather than creating new laws or regulations. It directly affects Mike Pedersen by honoring his work but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. The bill is commemorative in nature and focuses on public acknowledgment rather than substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense called aggravated careless driving in South Dakota. It applies to drivers who operate vehicles in a manner that endangers others through careless behavior. The legislation establishes specific penalties for this offense, though the exact sentencing details are not included in the provided text. This change aims to address severe cases of reckless driving that do not currently qualify as more serious traffic crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain health insurance policies in South Dakota to cover biomarker testing for specific medical conditions. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these insurance plans who may need genetic or molecular tests to guide their treatment. The key provision mandates that insurers include these tests in their coverage without additional cost to the patient. This change aims to ensure access to diagnostic tools that can inform personalized medical care decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public schools in South Dakota to authorize individuals to serve as school chaplains, either as volunteers or employees. The legislation enables schools to formally recognize and support religious or spiritual leaders who provide counseling and pastoral care to students. By permitting these roles, the bill aims to expand access to spiritual guidance within the public education system while maintaining existing employment and volunteer standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1209 removes the legal authorization that currently allows probationers and parolees in South Dakota to use medical cannabis. This change means individuals under community supervision can no longer legally access medical marijuana, even if they have a valid medical condition. The bill directly affects people on probation or parole who rely on medical cannabis for treatment. It does not change the state's existing medical cannabis program for the general population, only restricting access for those under supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to eliminate the alternate realty improvement contractor's excise tax in South Dakota. It directly affects contractors who currently pay this specific tax on real estate improvement projects. The key provision is the complete repeal of the tax, removing the financial burden from these businesses. This change would allow contractors to retain more revenue from their work without the excise tax deduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state of South Dakota from engaging with "natural asset companies," which are defined as entities holding rights to manage or restore ecological resources like soil, water, and biodiversity. It bans state agencies from leasing public land to these companies, investing state money in them, or entering into any business agreements that would grant them an interest in state resources. Additionally, the bill prevents natural assets from being transferred to such companies and requires the Secretary of State to revoke or deny business licenses for any entity that operates as a natural asset company. The law explicitly excludes nonprofits, privately held farms, and companies providing physical ecosystem services from these restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 105 proposes to designate Election Day as a legal holiday in South Dakota, meaning state and local government offices would close and employees would be exempt from work requirements on that day. The bill directly affects government workers, businesses, and the general public by establishing Election Day as a recognized day off similar to other state holidays. Under this measure, businesses could choose to close or remain open, but government facilities would be required to shut down for the day. This change aims to facilitate higher voter turnout by reducing barriers to voting on Election Day. The legislation focuses solely on the procedural status of Election Day without addressing specific voting procedures or election administration details.